Charity Poker Run starts on Sunbeam Road

Jacksonville's Bold City Mandarin Lions Club kicks off its Charity Poker Run at 9 a.m. today in memory of District 35L Gov. Rocky Fowler.

Registration runs from 9 to 11 a.m., with motorcycles rumbling off the starting line as soon as they sign up from Big Bike Motorcycles at 3842 Sunbeam Road. The run makes scheduled stops at Reni's Rooster Saloon at 12661 Philips Highway, Buffalo's Cafe at 6055 Youngerman Circle, Mercury Moon at 2015 County Road 220 in Orange Park and Outback Crab Shack at 8155 County Road 13 in St. Johns County. The poker run is $20 per rider and $10 per passenger, with prizes for the best and worst.

The nonprofit Bold City Mandarin Lions Club provides eye exams, eyeglasses, guide dogs, eye surgeries and hearing aids for the hearing-impaired in the community, and helps other charities. All donations from the poker run are earmarked for local charities.

'ACLU Freedom Files'

The Jacksonville chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida presents an episode of The ACLU Freedom Files film series at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, focusing on students' rights. The free film will be shown at the Mandarin branch library at 3330 Kori Road, followed by a discussion with audience participation and guest speakers.

The film illustrates how young people in America are treated as if the Bill of Rights doesn't apply to them, according to the ACLU news release, and was done by producer/director Robert Greenwald. The local ACLU chapter is presenting the film after recent concerns about a new rule mandating clear or see-through backpacks at Mandarin High School, and a student petition protesting the school security ruling.

Gardening workshops

The Mandarin Garden Club and North Florida Bonsai Club co-host a series of hands-on workshops from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and continuing Oct. 3, and Oct. 8, at the garden club at 2892 Loretto Road. The workshops are $25 per person, and limited to 15 participants. Anyone wishing to observe won't be charged, and there is no limit on the number of observers.

By Dan Scanlan, My Mandarin Sun

News Added: 22 September, 2007

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